Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), specifically through its Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). The United Nations was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. ODA/CAB plays a crucial role in advising and assisting the Secretary-General in disarmament-related responsibilities, implementing mandates from the General Assembly and Security Council, and providing substantive support in areas such as small arms control and arms transfers. The organization operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and is dedicated to reducing armed violence and enhancing military transparency.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals who are either enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or are in the final year of their undergraduate studies. This internship is unpaid and requires full-time, in-person attendance at the New York duty station for a duration of 3-6 months. Interns will work under the guidance of the Chief of CAB and the internship coordinator, engaging in various tasks that align with their academic background and the needs of the office. Responsibilities will include drafting official documents, summarizing meetings, conducting research, and assisting during conferences. The internship aims to provide practical experience in political affairs and disarmament, contributing to the intern's professional development while supporting the mission of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing assistance in drafting and preparing official documents, summaries, talking points, speeches, remarks, and web content; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; conducting research through document, media, and internet searches; providing assistance during conferences and meetings; and fulfilling other duties as required by their supervisor. The specific responsibilities may vary based on the intern's background and the tasks assigned during the internship period.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Candidates must be pursuing or have pursued their degree in areas related to the internship. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is essential. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required academic program must be provided with the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on political affairs and disarmament. Applicants are required to submit proof of their academic status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage in the application process.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience, it is essential that they have a field of study that is closely related to the internship. This means that candidates should ideally have academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the Political Affairs Intern position, particularly in areas related to disarmament, international relations, or political science.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in any of these languages can enhance the intern's experience and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free of charge.